Who Won American Idol’s Battle To Be Top Dog

GIRL POWER

What Are American Idol Girls Are Made Of? Pop, Rock, Folk & Schmaltz

Last night’s show started off with a lot of laughs, and what began as possible friction between Ellen and Simon turned out to be a big joke.

Ellen sits far away from Simon and claims he can’t keep his hands off her. She shows a faux video of him putting his paws on her during Hollywood week. She may not be able to hold a tune, but Ellen sure delivers the laughs.

For the next three weeks, the top 24 will sing hits from Billboard‘s charts. Tonight though it’s all about the ladies, and Simon predicts a girl’s going to take it all this year.

First up is Paige Miles who sang Free’s It’s Alright Now.

Ellen thought he was a great performer, Randy thought he changed the song too much. Simon said he was like a dancer trying to sing and murdered the original song. Ouch. Not the best way to start off the night for the boys.

Aaron Kelly sang Rascal Flatts’ Here Comes Goodbye. During Hollywood Week Aaron had problems remembering lyrics but tonight he had no problems at all. Simon liked his performance and said he was likable and cute. Kara loves his pop/country approach.

Jermaine Sellers, one of my Chicago guys was up next. He sang Oleta Adams’ Get Here. Poor guy was a little bit pitchy and over the top. Ellen said she was a fan but that he was trying too hard. Randy thought he should have done something more contemporary. Simon thought he was over singing it and he might not be safe.

Tim Urban is a very lucky contestant: After being cut in Hollywood Week the producers asked him to return as one of the top 24. After hearing him sing One Republic’s Apologize, I believe the producers made a big mistake. Simon said they made the best decision not letting him through the first round. Randy said it didn’t work. Ellen said he couldn’t hit notes. Yes Tim, you can go home again.

Joe Munoz sang Jason Mraz’s You and I Both. Joe was ok but I think he’s safe. Randy said he has a great voice and did a good job. Kara said he’s been the best singer so far.

Next up is Tyler Grady, retro rocker, singing The Guess Who’s American Woman. Tyler brought the magic back in the show, he was lively and he doesn’t suck at singing. Simon calls him “cliche” and “unnatural,” and thinks people will remember the performance for the wrong reasons. Kara thinks he’s trying to hard to be Jim Morrison.

Out next was another one of my Chicago boys, Lee Dewyze, who sang Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars. Lee is my pick for potential winner. He’s rough and his scuff voice made me want to dim the lights and open a bottle of wine. Ellen loved the tone of his voice but thought he was screaming some parts. Randy didn’t like the song for him and thought he needed something harder. Simon said it was the best performance.

The last Chicago guy, John Park sang Billie Holiday’s God Bless the Child. As much as I want to support my locals, John sounded like he was singing under water. It was not good. I found myself cringing when he hit high notes. Simon said it was a pointless performance. Kara said it was “lounge-y.” Randy and Ellen thought it was a bad song choice.

Michael Lynche sang Maroon 5’s This Love. I wanted to like Michael but the majority of his performance was muffled. Ellen said he was great but he had pitch problems. Kara said things were depressing before he got on stage. Simon said he was like the support act before the main act. He was too vague and jazzy.

Alex Lambert, no relation to Adam Lambert, sang James Morrison’s Wonderful World. I’m not sure what was worse, Alex’s mullet or his pitchy performance. Simon said it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night but he has a good voice. Kara has a good tone and he has potential. Randy likes him and hopes he sticks around. Ellen loves that he’s holding on to the mullet.

Casey James sang Heaven. Not only does Casey has the sexy romance novel look down but man can he sing. Kara needed a shower after that performance. She said he’s eye candy but ear candy as well. Simon said he chose the right song for his best performance.

Andrew Garcia closes the show with Fall Out Boy’s Sugar, We’re Going Done. Andrew was too high pitched during the song and now I think it was not a good song choice for him. Simon said he was looking forward to hearing him all night but he was disappointed. He didn’t think he took a risk. Randy and Kara didn’t like the song choice and thought he just stick to something less serious. Ellen thinks he’s going to stick around.

I think the guys did a better job than the girls but tomorrow night two guys and two girls will be eliminated. Who’s going home next?

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!